Assume that the situation can be expressed as a linear cost function. Find the cost function. Fixed cost is $300; 50 items cost $800 to produce. The linear cost function is C(x) =

Functions and Change: A Modeling Approach to College Algebra (MindTap Course List)
6th Edition
ISBN:9781337111348
Author:Bruce Crauder, Benny Evans, Alan Noell
Publisher:Bruce Crauder, Benny Evans, Alan Noell
Chapter2: Graphical And Tabular Analysis
Section2.2: Graphs
Problem 15E
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### Understanding Linear Cost Functions

In this section, we will explore how to determine the cost function for a given situation using linear equations. A cost function typically represents the total cost \( C(x) \) to produce \( x \) items.

---

**Example Problem:**

**Assume that the situation can be expressed as a linear cost function. Find the cost function.**

- Fixed cost is $300
- The cost to produce 50 items is $800

---

**Solution:**

1. **Identify the components of the cost function:**

    - **Fixed Cost:** This is the cost that does not change with the number of items produced. For this problem, the fixed cost is provided as $300.
    - **Variable Cost:** This is the cost that varies with the number of items produced. Our goal is to determine the variable cost per item.

2. **Determine the total cost equation:**

    Given that the cost function is linear, it can be expressed in the form:
    \[
    C(x) = Fixed\ Cost + (Variable\ Cost \times Number\ of\ Items)
    \]
    where \( C(x) \) is the total cost to produce \( x \) items.

3. **Using the given data to find the variable cost:**

    We know the fixed cost (\( FC \)) is $300. We also know that producing 50 items costs $800 in total. Thus:
    \[
    C(50) = 800
    \]
    Using the cost function form:
    \[
    800 = 300 + (Variable\ Cost \times 50)
    \]

    Simplifying, we find that the variable cost per item (VC) is:
    \[
    800 = 300 + 50 \times VC
    \]
    \[
    800 - 300 = 50 \times VC
    \]
    \[
    500 = 50 \times VC
    \]
    \[
    VC = 10
    \]
    Hence, the variable cost per item is $10.

4. **Express the linear cost function:**

    Substituting the values obtained into the cost function form:
    \[
    C(x) = 300 + 10x
    \]

---

**Conclusion:**

Therefore, the linear cost function is:
\[
C(x) = 300 + 10x
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding Linear Cost Functions In this section, we will explore how to determine the cost function for a given situation using linear equations. A cost function typically represents the total cost \( C(x) \) to produce \( x \) items. --- **Example Problem:** **Assume that the situation can be expressed as a linear cost function. Find the cost function.** - Fixed cost is $300 - The cost to produce 50 items is $800 --- **Solution:** 1. **Identify the components of the cost function:** - **Fixed Cost:** This is the cost that does not change with the number of items produced. For this problem, the fixed cost is provided as $300. - **Variable Cost:** This is the cost that varies with the number of items produced. Our goal is to determine the variable cost per item. 2. **Determine the total cost equation:** Given that the cost function is linear, it can be expressed in the form: \[ C(x) = Fixed\ Cost + (Variable\ Cost \times Number\ of\ Items) \] where \( C(x) \) is the total cost to produce \( x \) items. 3. **Using the given data to find the variable cost:** We know the fixed cost (\( FC \)) is $300. We also know that producing 50 items costs $800 in total. Thus: \[ C(50) = 800 \] Using the cost function form: \[ 800 = 300 + (Variable\ Cost \times 50) \] Simplifying, we find that the variable cost per item (VC) is: \[ 800 = 300 + 50 \times VC \] \[ 800 - 300 = 50 \times VC \] \[ 500 = 50 \times VC \] \[ VC = 10 \] Hence, the variable cost per item is $10. 4. **Express the linear cost function:** Substituting the values obtained into the cost function form: \[ C(x) = 300 + 10x \] --- **Conclusion:** Therefore, the linear cost function is: \[ C(x) = 300 + 10x
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